South Africa secured a 40-run victory over the West Indies on the third day of the second and final Test, continuing their dominance over the Caribbean team. The match, held on Saturday, saw South Africa set a challenging target of 263 runs after being bowled out for 246 in their second innings, thanks to Jayden Seales' impressive six for 61. However, despite their efforts, the West Indies were dismissed for 222, falling short of the target.
Keshav Maharaj, who was named man of the series, played a pivotal role in South Africa's win, claiming three wickets for 37 runs, including the final wicket of Seales, who fell just minutes before the scheduled close of play. Maharaj's performance lifted him to 171 Test wickets, making him South Africa's most successful spinner, surpassing Hugh Tayfield's record.
Kagiso Rabada also contributed significantly, taking three wickets for 50 runs, bringing him just one wicket shy of reaching 300 Test wickets. The West Indies showed some resistance with a 77-run seventh-wicket partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Joshua da Silva, but Maharaj's reintroduction to the attack broke their momentum.
Wiaan Mulder was awarded man of the match for his all-round performance, taking six wickets in the match and scoring a crucial 34 runs in South Africa's second innings. His early dismissal on the third day didn't stop South Africa from defending their total, with Seales putting up a strong fight by taking his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged the team's batting failures, particularly in the first innings, as a critical factor in their loss. Despite a spirited effort from the lower order, led by Motie, the West Indies couldn't overcome the deficit, and South Africa's superior bowling secured the win.
This victory extended South Africa's unbeaten Test series run against the West Indies, a streak that began in 1998/99. The first Test of the series had ended in a rain-affected draw in Trinidad.
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